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NISHANT "NEAL" PATEL assumed the chairmanship of AAHOA Friday as the culmination of the association's 2022 Convention & Trade Show in Baltimore, Maryland. More than 5,000 people attended the show, during which new officers also were elected, certain members were recognized for their service and face-to-face networking came back into style. This year's show came with less time after last year's, which was held in August due to delays from the COVID-19 pandemic. That time difference for planning was not as bad as it may seem, said Vinay Patel, outgoing AAHOA chairman, in a press conference before the show. "We start planning this convention way in advance. So yeah, our gap may be eight months from convention to convention, but this convention probably started literally in June, July or January of last year, so that time frame is still there," Vinay said. "There are always things, you pivot all the time. Especially in today's world of the pandemic. But, I think at the end of the day, the team has done a phenomenal job in putting everything together."

FRANCHISEE RESILIENCE AND determination was the focus of Choice Hotels International's 66th annual convention in Las Vegas last week. In keeping with that theme, in a press conference at the convention, corporate leadership for Choice said they are working with AAHOA on ways to implement the association's recently updated 12 Points of Fair Franchising. More than 5,200 people attended the conference, including franchisees and their families. Other news from the event includes the announcement of a new program to promote women ownership of hotels and the hiring of two new franchise development directors. "GO" was the theme of the convention, in recognition of the struggles Choice's franchisees have faced over the past three years of pandemic and economic downturn. The company overcame those challenges, driving new business, advocating for government aid and reducing operating costs for franchisees, said Patrick Pacious, Choice's president and CEO. It also surpassed 2019 system-wide performance levels.

"UNSTOPPABLE" WAS THE theme for Choice Hotels International's 67th Owner & Franchisee Convention in Las Vegas last week. In keeping with that, the company announced new software tools, a new prototype and more news on the incorporation of more than 600 newly acquired Radisson Hotels Americas properties. Nearly 6,000 hotel owners, general managers and Choice associates attended the three-day event at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, according to the company. It included more than 85 educational and brand sessions as well as 275 vendor exhibits. "At our 67th Annual Convention, we celebrated our shared success with thousands of Choice franchisees, examined key travel industry trends, and revealed our plans to capitalize on them and keep the momentum going," said Pat Pacious, Choice's president and CEO. "We're inspired by the ways these entrepreneurs bet on themselves, and we are committed to being by their side as we continue to disrupt the industry together."

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A TOTAL OF 8,000 attendees gathered at the Los Angeles Convention Center for the 2023 AAHOA Convention & Trade Show saw more than 20 education sessions, 500 exhibiting companies, keynote speakers and four networking events, including the Welcome Reception at the world-famous LA Coliseum. The conference broke various records from AAHOA's 34-year history, AAHOA said in a statement. AAHOACON23 culminated in a gala event in the form of AAHOA Awards, celebrating excellence in the field of hospitality. However, several large hotel companies boycotted AAHOACON23 over AAHOA's support for franchising reform. "With a record level of booth sales for the trade show, it was the largest trade show in AAHOA's 34-year history, and a 22 percent increase over 2022," AAHOA said. "There were nearly 520 total exhibiting companies, the second largest exhibitor total in AAHOACON history," it said. Now past AAHOA Chairman Neal Patel officially turned over the reins to his successor, Florida hotelier Bharat Patel. According to AAHOA, the AAHOACON23 Trade Show was sold out, and a wait list was created - the first time ever in AAHOA history. The event also generated a very strong number of first-time exhibitors, 167, which is the second-largest number of first-time exhibitors in AAHOA history, AAHOA said. "The exhibit sales team achieved a new record in exhibit booth sales for AAHOACON24. A total of 170 exhibitors have rebooked and will return for AAHOACON24 in Orlando next year. This number represents more than 40 percent of the show floor space and 100 percent of all exhibiting hotel brands rebooked for AAHOACON24," the statement added. "The adjectives and praise to describe AAHOACON23 and our remarkable AAHOA Team keep pouring in," said Laura Lee Blake, AAHOA president and CEO. "I could not be prouder of how AAHOACON23 turned out, and we are so thankful for all the sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, and attendees who helped make this convention and trad

BEST WESTERN HOTELS & Resort executives say the company is riding a wave of success that brought its members to Hawaii for its 2023 Annual Convention. Best Western benefited from budgeting for a forecasted recession that now seems unlikely this year, and saw continued growth domestically and internationally with India "top of mind." Other topics addressed during the convention at Hilton Hawaiian Village in Honolulu last week include the strategy to be followed by Joelle Park, Best Western's newly hired senior vice president and chief marketing officer. Also, the company's new program to advance women in hotel ownership was getting under way. Making waves Larry Cuculic, president and CEO, opened the conference giving details on the company's performance. "The Big Wave reflects the surge that BWH Hotels has made in the travel industry and how we are making 'big waves' together all over the world," Cuculic said. "Our Big Wave has rippled through our organization, our industry, and our lives, touching our guests, our communities, and leaving a rich legacy of success."

NEWCRESTIMAGE RECENTLY ACQUIRED the TownePlace Suites by Marriott Dallas Las Colinas in Irving, Texas. It is the most recent acquisition for the Dallas-based investment firm led by Mehul Patel as managing partner and CEO, and the company plans to fully renovate the property, which opened in 1998 and was last renovated in 2014. The 3-floor, 135-suite property offers three types of guestroom: studio, one-bedroom, and two bedroom, according to NewcrestImage. It is near two major airports, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Love Field, and two major convention centers, the Irving Convention Center and the Gaylord Texan Convention Center. Amenities at the hotel include a fitness center and an outdoor pool. "This extended-stay property is in the heart of a high-traffic corridor that's a popular destination for both corporate and leisure travelers," Patel said. The acquisition of the TownePlace Suites is important to Marriott, said Loren Nalewanski, the company's vice president franchising for the Element, Residence Inn, Fairfield, TownePlace and SpringHill Suites brands. "Our industry is built on strong partnerships between brands and owners," Nalewanski said. "This acquisition enhances the long, valued, and successful partnership between Marriott and NewcrestImage, which has owned and operated 30 Marriott-branded properties since 2013."

IT'S TIME FOR AAHOA'S 2022 Convention and Trade Show in Baltimore, Maryland. More than 5,200 members are expected attend the show Tuesday to Friday at the Baltimore Conference Center This year's AAHOACON22 marks a return to the conference's regular April schedule after last year's conference was held in August. More than 450 companies will be exhibiting at the show, which will feature 10 education sessions and three networking events. "AAHOA's staff and convention committee have been working around the clock to make this year the best one yet. Whether for education, inspiration, deal-making, networking, or simply having fun, we have an incredible lineup for this year's event," said Vinay Patel, AAHOA's current chairman. "To everyone who has already registered to attend and are headed to Baltimore, it means so much to us that you've made the necessary sacrifices to be here. We hope you find AAHOACON22 to be immeasurably enriching and rewarding, and a valuable experience. We can't wait to see our old friends, make new ones, and celebrate the hard work we've all put in over the past few months."

AT THE 2024 AAHOA Convention & Trade Show held last week in Orlando, Florida, history was being made at the same time it was being recalled. Miraj Patel assumed his role as the youngest chairman the association has had, while his predecessor Bharat Patel and AAHOA President and CEO Laura Lee Blake spoke on the legacy that led to the association's current success. AAHOACON24, the 35th national conference for the association, saw more than 7,000 registered attendees and 524 exhibitors at the Orange County Convention Center, blocks away from Disneyworld and Universal Studios. It included more than 44 education sessions and had two times the number of sponsors than in 2023 with 26. Event revenue was 6 percent higher than 2023 and 31 percent higher than in 2022. The tradeshow sprawled over more than 84,500 square feet of exhibit space. In a speech during the first general session, Bharat presented his theory on what led to AAHOA's current status: compound success.

KEN GREENE IS leaving his position as president and CEO of AAHOA to begin a new job with Dallas-based IBF Hospitality. AAHOA already has begun searching for his replacement. Greene will leave on Feb. 11, according to a statement. He was brought on last year in June to replace Cecil Staton, AAHOA's former president and CEO when he left the association unexpectedly. "Ken has been instrumental in carrying AAHOA through the past several months, which brought on a lot of change both at AAHOA and in our industry," said AAHOA Chair Vinay Patel. "We're grateful for the time he's spent at AAHOA and wish him nothing but continued success as he transitions to another opportunity." While at AAHOA, Greene oversaw the association's return to in-person events, including the 2021 AAHOA Convention & Trade Show at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas in August. He also helped in write AAHOA's strategic plan and helped restaff the organization after the departure of Staton, the association's executive vice president and COO Rachel Humphrey and others.

Fairfield Inn & Suites Oklahoma City Downtown is now open in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The Marriott International franchise is owned and managed by Tulsa, Oklahoma-based Anish Hotels Group under its founder, President and CEO Andy Patel. The 133-room hotel is the first to open in the new downtown convention center area, adjacent to the new $290 million Convention Center set to open in September. Nearby are Chesapeake Energy Arena, Bricktown Ballpark, Myraid Gardens, and the new $140 million Scissortail Park. Amenities include a full-service bar featuring pre-prohibition craft cocktails, a fitness center, business services, and a 988-square-foot meeting space.

In our exclusive Leadership Series interview, Pat Pacious, president and CEO of Choice Hotels International, reflects on his organization's relationship with AAHOA, his opposition to the proposed New Jersey State legislation on fair franchising and why Asian hoteliers are still important to the company. In the end, he said, it's about keeping state governments out of a dialogue that should be held between franchisers and their franchisees regarding subjects such as selling loyalty points and revenue from preferred vender programs. Pacious also discussed other key topics in the conflict between AAHOA and several large hotel companies, including Choice as well as Marriott International. Also in the interview, held at Choice's recent 67th Owner & Franchisee Convention in Las Vegas, Pacious discusses topics addressed at the convention, such as Choice's recent acquisition of Radisson Hotels Americas. He also comments on the company's offering to current and future franchisees and the importance of Asian American owners. 'This is not about fair franchising' In February, Choice announced it would "pause its partnership" with AAHOA, according to an alert to AAHOA members. AAHOA said Choice's decision came in response to AAHOA's 12 Points of Fair Franchising and its public support for New Jersey Assembly Bill A1958, which would make changes to the New Jersey Franchise Practices Act. Prior to Choice's action, Marriott had announced it was withdrawing its support for AAHOA for the same reason, and both companies chose not to attend the 2023 AAHOA Conference and Trade Show in Los Angeles in early April. Other companies, including Hilton and IHG Hotels & Resorts, also did not attend.

CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL has become the second hotel company to withdraw its support for AAHOA over the association's 12 Points of Fair Franchising. Specific reasons for the split remain unclear, but AAHOA said it was due to the association's "united front behind fair franchising principles." Like Marriott International in January, Choice has informed AAHOA it will not participate in the upcoming AAHOA Convention & Trade Show, according to a LinkedIn.com post from Laura Lee Blake, AAHOA's president and CEO, as well as a member alert from Nishant "Neal" Patel, AAHOA chairman. "As a result of AAHOA's united front behind fair franchising principles, and for doing exactly what this organization was created to do, I'm writing to inform you that Choice Hotels International has chosen to pause its partnership with AAHOA, including to not attend the industry's upcoming largest convention and trade show," said both alerts. "AAHOA has enjoyed a successful, long-term relationship with Choice, and we're disappointed to hear that because of AAHOA's support for increased fairness and transparency, and for wanting to engage in dialogue on tough issues, Choice no longer wants to be involved."

EVERWOOD HOSPITALITY PARTNERS has completed the acquisition of the 184-room LaQuinta I Drive/Convention Center hotel in Orlando, Florida, from Cavalier Florida, LP, the company said. Real estate capital advisory, Cronheim Hotel Capital, helped secure the loan for the acquisition and subsequent renovation of the property which includes upgrades to public and private spaces. The loan, from a Florida-based bank, which provided five-year fixed rate financing with two years of interest only, represented 65 percent of the all-in cost, according to Everwood. The hotel is next door to ICON Park and offers multiple dining and entertainment options. The property is one mile from the Orange County Convention Center and the city's many amusement parks and entertainment venues. Amenities include an outdoor pool and a fitness center. "With its proximity to many of Orlando's top attractions, the LaQuinta is an ideal addition to Everwood's expanding hotel portfolio," said Amit Patel, Everwood's managing principal and chief operating officer. "We continue to seek hotels in prime markets with barriers to new entry and multiple demand generators that help protect against occasional market fluctuations. Following the implementation of our proprietary management and marketing systems, LaQuinta I Drive will become the segment leader for leisure and business travelers in Orlando."

JUST OVER ONE year ago, Marriott International severed its support for AAHOA over the association's 12 Points of Fair Franchising and support for franchise reform legislation in New Jersey. At AAHOA's 35th Annual Convention & Trade Show this year in Orlando, Marriott came back, albeit with its status remaining unclear. Also, AAHOA made alterations to the 12 Points aimed at providing more protection for members in the event of the franchiser's acquisition by another company. Also at AAHOACON24, Miraj Patel became the youngest chairman in the history of the association, Pinal Patel became its new secretary and immediate Past Chairman Bharat Patel and AAHOA President & CEO Laura Lee Blake spoke on how the history of the association led to its success.

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WITH DISNEYWORLD AND Universal Studios as a backdrop, the AAHOA Convention & Trade Show 2024 got under way in Orlando, Florida, Tuesday. The show had just begun but attendees were already feeling excited about the week. "I think that is great, the venue is great, and the turnout," said Raj Patel, CEO of Apsilon Hotels in Atlanta. "This is going to be an excellent show. Looking forward to it." More than 6,000 people registered to attend the trade show with more than 1,000 booths and 520 exhibitors. Keynote speakers included: Kevin O'Leary, businessman, SPAC investor, director of Stream Global Services, chairman of O'Shares ETF Investments and Beanstox. Rashmi Airan, professional speaker and coach, speaking at the HerOwnership Women Hoteliers Luncheon and Session. Rahul Kapoor, mindset coach, motivational speaker and author. "It's going to be a fantastic show. It's going to be some great conversations, good educational seminars too," said Raj Trivedi, former La Quinta Hotels head and now managing principal at TST Capital in Dallas. "Most importantly, it's a lot of fun. I think people are going to have a great time."

PINAL PATEL WAS elected secretary of AAHOA in the culmination of 2024 AAHOA Convention & Trade Show held this week in Orlando. New members of the association's board of directors also were elected and new industry partners were announced. Pinal, of Goodlettsville, Tennessee, defeated H.K. "Hare Krishna" Patel for the secretary position. He was born in Bardoli, India, and his family moved to the U.S. in 1984 when he was 2, according to AAHOA. They lived in Nashville, Tennessee, Pinal said his parents did not speak any English when they brought him and his 1-year-old brother to America. Pinal's parents bought their first independent hotel in 1991, and he is a second-generation hotelier even after graduating flight school at Embry Riddle in Daytona Beach, Florida, before buying his first franchise property. Previously, he has served as an AAHOA ambassador and as AAHOA's director at large Eastern Division. "Hard work definitely pays off," Patel said. "I'm going to make sure we do what's right for the association and for the members. I promise to all my supporters, my family, and my fellow members that I will not let you down. I will do what's best for the association's interests."